For DR Congo, the equation could hardly be simpler. Beat Uzbekistan tonight in Atlanta and the Leopards will almost certainly reach the knockout stage, either by snatching second place or, more likely, as one of the World Cup’s best third-placed teams.
The stakes have resonated far beyond the dressing room. Ahead of kick-off, President Félix Tshisekedi issued an emotional message urging the nation to rally behind the team.
“This encounter is not just a football match. It is a moment of national unity,” Tshisekedi wrote. “Behind you, there will be more than 100 million Congolese people ... all united behind you.”
It is a remarkable position for a side playing at its first World Cup since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire. Just reaching this tournament required surviving the African playoffs after missing out on direct qualification.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan are clinging to the faintest of hopes. They have lost both of their opening matches and can finish no higher than third, meaning only a victory will suffice. Even then, their goal difference of -7 leaves the White Wolves needing not only a convincing win but plenty of help from elsewhere if they are to sneak into the last 32.
The other Group K match sees already-qualified Colombia take on Portugal, with top spot on the line. Colombia need only a draw to finish first.
Pos
Team
P
GD
Pts
1
Colombia
2
3
6
2
Portugal
2
5
4
3
Congo DR
2
-1
1
4
Uzbekistan
2
-7
0
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s at look at who needs what as the group stage tilts toward its conclusion:
Who are through to the last 32?
Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Australia, Paraguay, Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, Cape Verde, France, Norway, Senegal, Argentina, Colombia, Portugal, England and Ghana.
Who have been eliminated?
Czechia, Qatar, Haiti, Turkey, Curaçao, Tunisia, New Zealand, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan and Panama.
How does the third-place qualification work?
The eight best third-placed teams qualify for the last 32 based on a ranking that, in order, takes into account: points, goal difference (GD), goals scored, fair-play status (conduct) and Fifa ranking. Four points will now be enough to qualify, given results so far.
Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Paraguay and Senegal are through to the last 32, as they are guaranteed to finish among the eight best-ranked third-placed teams. Uruguay are eliminated as they can not finish among the top-eight third-place teams.
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